Poker game for Modric

Secrecy, calmness and patience. This is the blend of ingredients that Real Madrid is using for 'Operation Modric' and has used ever since contact was first made with the player and his current club, Tottenham. As is the norm, it has proved to be easier to convince the player than the club, partly because the Croatian is desperate to play for Real Madrid.

Communications with the London club have been up and down, sometimes better and sometimes worse, although it is expected that Modric will end up signing for Real Madrid. When this is likely to happen is the element that Los Blancos control. Having waited until now without getting nervous, Madrid is willing to stick to its initial offer – ¤30 million plus conditional add-ons – until 31st August, which is when the summer transfer window closes.

Although it doesn't look like it, time is actually playing in Madrid's favour, or, to be more precise, is going against Tottenham. The English club doesn't have any other offers for the player and it knows it will be practically impossible to get him to put his passion into fighting for the club again.

Of course Mou wants to get the player as soon as possible, but he's looking after the club's financial interests. He values Modric very highly but isn't prepared to target him at any cost. What is increasingly obvious is that Real Madrid's transfer activity this summer starts and ends with the Croat. It's either him, or nobody. And his arrival would go together with another midfielder leaving: Sahin, Lass or Granero. Of the three, Sahin looks the most likely to exit the Bernabéu at the moment.